The Arizona sentinel., 1887-02-05
J. W. DORRINGTON, Proprietor.
NUMBER 10.

wings, he caught s1ght Of It, and then he knew at once that it was one of his own carrier pigeons bringing a note to his castle, and that was why as soon as the pigeon flew off the King galloped of as well, for he wanted to see what news the pigeon brought him. When he reached home he saw the pigeon waiting for him, and on opening the note, he found that it was from one of his Generals, telling him where the enemy were encamped, and showing him how he could bring up a fresh army, and so he might defeat the enemy. About a-month after this back came the soldiers, again riding through the valley with the King at their head. And this time their trumpets sounded, not for war, but for gladness and peace, for they had defeated the enemy in great battle, and now the war was over. Again the shepherd-boy looked at the brave soldiers riding through the valley to the Kings castle, and again he wished that he had been soldier able to do something to help the King. But next day while he was sitting with his faithful dog by his side, watching his sheep, came messenger from the King, saying: ''You are to come at once to the Kings palace"
 The shepherd-boy assured the mes senger there must be some mistake, but he said there was no mistake, and would not even give him time to put on his clothes. When they came into the castle hall, they found the King seated on his throne, and around him all his councillors, generals and officers. Pres ently the trumpeter blew a trumpet and gave notice that he had been ordered to call out the names of all those who had helped the King in the war, and each man was to come up to receive a reward. So the trumpet blew, the names were called, and both councillors and soldiers went upin their fine robes to receive their re- wards. At last the trumpet blew and the shepherd-boy' name was read out. At first he did not stir, feeling sure there was some mistake, but those near him said: ''The King is looking atyou. i go up."
 So he went toward the King looking very much perplexed and a little ashamed.
 But the King smiling at him, said: Little friend, what reward must I give you for the help you gave me in my war?'
 ''Sir," said the boy, '1 deserve nore- ward, for have done nothing. I am only poor shepherd-bo keeping few sheep in the valley yonder, and could not help you. though Iwished to ever so much"
 But" said the King, uncovering a wicker cage, Il think you know this bird; and are you not the brave boy that leaped down at the risk of his life to save the pigeon from the hawk?"
 q saved the pigeon, sir, that is true''
 ''Yes, and afterwards you were hon. est enough to let it fly again, instead of keeping it. Now this pigeon brought me news that helped me to gain the victory. So you see you helped with out knowing it. Your reward shall be this sword, and when you grow up l will make you captain in my army"
 So the shepherd-boy in time became a soldier, and lived to be a great Gen. eral, and before he died had gained many battles, and done many brave deeds to help the King.
 All children are like that shepherd boy in the lonely valley. They have little tasks and duties, and it seems ass if they could do nothing great for God our King. But it is not so, for no one knows whether what he is doing is great or little. Very often an action that seems very trifing, is really great in Gods sight and He will reward our good actions. It seems a little matter to be kind to brothers and sis ters, to be obedient to parents, and in- dustrious at lessons just as it seemed to the shepherd-boy very little matter to watch over few sheep, and to be good and kind at home. But if he had not always been honest and brave in little things, he would not have been so when the pigeon came, and then he would not have helped the King. And ! so, if you are not good in little things, you will find, when God sends you some great thing to do, that you can not be good in great things. There fore, whatever you do, whether alone or with others, whether at work or at play, remember that though you are child, you can do something to help the Lord our King. You are helping Him whenever you are doing what is E. 4. Atbott, D. D., iH "PardbleS for Children.